Clinical Research Facility - Quadram Institute (CRF - QI)
The CRF-QI is part of the NIHR Norfolk CRF, which is accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Located within the Quadram Institute, the CRF serves as a hub for advancing medical research and enhancing patient care by driving forward innovation in experimental medicine and translational research.
Managed by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), our facility unites researchers and scientists from NNUH, Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), University of East Anglia (UEA), and the Norwich Research Park.
The NIHR Norfolk CRF specialises in a diverse array of research studies spanning various health conditions, involving both patients and healthy volunteers. With its close ties to the NNUH Endoscopy Centre and collaborations with QIB and UEA, the CRF is ideally equipped for research focused on food and nutrition.
 Reception Area
- The CRF features a reception area designed to welcome and manage patients and participants efficiently.
Clinical Spaces
- Our facility includes six clinical rooms equipped with necessary clinical equipment and computers, along with three screening rooms also equipped with computers.
- There is also a multifunction clinic room with five bariatric phlebotomy couches and two en-suite clinical rooms featuring bariatric hospital beds. Short-term document, sample, and food storage, subject to availability.
 Laboratory
- Dedicated CRF laboratory for immediate sample processing.
- Fridges and freezers available for short-term sample storage.
- Close liaison with the Norwich Research Park Biorepository for sample transfer.
- Laboratory equipped with an ultracold -80°C freezer.
- Four benchtop centrifuges available in the lab.
- Sample fridge and -20°C freezer for additional storage.
- Basic laboratory supplies stored and available, includes microfuge, vortex, and pipetmen kits.
 Research Food Storage
- On-site -40°C walk-in food storage freezer.
- Several domestic food fridges and freezers to support research needs.
Catering and Kitchen Facilities
- A general kitchen for preparing meals and refreshments for study participants and patients.
- Serving hatch opens directly into the participants’ lounge/dining room.
- Research kitchen equipped to commercial standards for batch preparation of food products.
- Standardised test meals can be prepared in the research kitchen.
Participants’ Lounge and Diner
- Providing study test meals and breakfasts for fasted participants.
- Offering general refreshments for participants and accompanying guests.
Since September 2022, the CRF-QI has been integrated into the Norfolk CRF, partly funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research. The CRF is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through innovative experimental medicine and translational research.
It hosts a variety of studies involving both hospital patients and healthy volunteers, with a particular focus on food and nutrition, benefiting from its strong connections with the NNUH Endoscopy Centre, QIB, and UEA. As the primary facility for clinical trials outside the main hospital, the NNUH-run CRF offers outpatient clinical and laboratory space, including a food preparation area for diet-related studies.
QIB Extra can also provide commercial access to clients interested in utilising the CRF-QI for their research needs. To learn more about how to partner with us and access these state-of-the-art facilities, please contact us directly by our contact us page.
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